Computer-assisted sales system for utilities

ABSTRACT

A computer-based system for generating customized proposals relating to consumption and cost of utilities. The system receives and stores information related to a utility company&#39;s services and conservation programs, utility rates, and a customer&#39;s inventory. The system processes this information in order to determine how various factors and parameters will affect the customer&#39;s utility consumption and cost. As a result of this processing, the system generates a customized proposal for the customer relating to how the customer can reduce consumption and cost of utilities.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/290,190,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,331, filed on Aug. 15, 1994. This applicationincludes a microfiche appendix containing 5 sheets of microfiche and 440frames.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

The present invention relates to a computer-based system for generatinga customized proposal relating to consumption and cost of utilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Utility companies face many challenging demands as power, fuel, andother utility product or service consumption increases. The utilitycompanies must monitor consumption of the products and services toensure that sufficient capacity for power output and/or that sufficientamounts of fuel or other products are available in order to best useexisting capacity. If power or other product or service consumption in aparticular city or region serviced by a utility company exceeds theutility company's capacity to deliver the product or service, then thecompany may only have very expensive options available for meeting thedemand. The company can build another power, fuel or other plant, orcould buy power from another utility. Due to the expense of theseoptions, the utility company would prefer to encourage customers tolimit consumption of its products and services.

Utility companies therefore often make sales type presentations tocustomers to encourage reduction and control of consumption. The companymay encourage this by showing how reduction in consumption maysignificantly reduce cost to the customer. The company may also offerrebates to further encourage power consumption. In addition, the companymay propose strategies and techniques for the customer to reduceconsumption. For example, more energy efficient lighting for abusinesses may be recommended.

In making such sales presentations, utility companies have had limitedtools. Sometimes pre-printed brochures are available. However, these arenot customer specific and therefore do not address the specific needs ofparticular customers. Also, the salespersons may each use their ownformulas for calculating numbers related to power or other consumptionand cost, which means that the company has no standardized formulas ormethods of calculation related to utilities. In addition, thesalespersons must typically calculate the formulas by hand, which limitstheir ability to provide information to the customers quickly andefficiently.

Therefore, a need exists for a system that assists utility companies ingenerating customized proposals related to consumption and cost ofproducts and services provided by utilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a computer-assisted sales system forutilities. A utility company can use the system in order to generate acustomized proposal related to how the customer can reduce consumptionand cost of utilities. The system receives and stores informationrelated to a utility company's services and conservation programs,utility rates, and a customer's inventory and general identification.The system processes this information in order to determine how variousfactors and parameters will affect the customer's utility consumptionand cost of products and services provided by utilities. As a result ofthis processing, the system generates a customized report or proposalfor the customer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred computer hardwarestructure for the present computerized system.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a flow chart showing the preferred structure andoperation of the system within a computer.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the operations performed within the computingsystem according to one possible embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment,reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereofand in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment inwhich the invention may be practiced. This embodiment is described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that structural or logical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appendedclaims.

Overview

The present invention comprises a computer-assisted sales system forutilities. A utility company can use the system for generating acustomized proposal related to how the customer can reduce consumptionand cost of products and services delivered by utilities. The system canreceive and store information related to a utility company's servicesand conservation programs, utility rates, and a customer's inventory andgeneral identification. The system processes this information in orderto determine how various factors and parameters will affect thecustomer's utility consumption and cost. These factors are explainedbelow and may include, for example, different rates, more energyefficient equipment, and rebates. As a result of this processing, thesystem generates a customized proposal for the customer.

The example illustrated in the present specification is an embodimentfor use by a power utility. The present invention, however, applies toutilities in general, which may include, for example, power, gas,electricity, light, water, or steam.

This system has many advantages. A user can dynamically generate variousproposals, either electronically on line or in printed, electronic,optical, or other media format, to show customers how to reduceconsumption of utilities and thus save cost. For example, the system canprovide immediate feedback by generating graphs to show the effect ofdifferent rates on cost. In addition, the system can illustrateconservation programs of a utility company and process the customer'sdata to show the effect of the conservation programs on utilityconsumption and cost. The system can also inventory a customer'sequipment and process this information in order to provide immediatefeedback regarding how different equipment results in reducedconsumption and hence lower cost to the customer. The system can processall of this information in order to assemble it into a customizedproposal for the customer. The system can typically be implemented on alaptop computer so that a salesperson can easily transport the systemand use it while meeting with customers in order to provide the feedbackdescribed above and actually generate a customized proposal for thecustomer as a part of the sales presentation. As previously indicated,the proposal delivered can be in paper, electronic (e.g., on magneticcomputer disk), optical (e.g., on optically read disks), or otherformat. The proposal can also be transmitted electronically directly toanother computer, such as via a communication link to a computer at thecustomer's facility.

The proposal may include various reports and information regarding thecustomer's utility consumption and further specify how this particularcustomer can reduce cost. These proposals can be generated either online or in printed format. The present invention thus provides for apowerful tool that utility companies can use in making in generatingproposals for customers.

The quality of the pictures or graphics produced in these customized,printed proposals can be made comparable in quality to the glossyphotographs in prior art proposals due to recent advances in computerprinters and displays. Printers such as the Canon CLC-300 produce colorcomputer print-outs that resemble color photographs. These customizedproposals, therefore, need not be inferior to prior art proposals interms of the quality of available pictures for the proposals.

Examples of system for generating customized proposals are described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,283,865, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/878,602filed May 5, 1992now U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,490, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/268,166 filed Jun. 29, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No.5,625,776, all of which are assigned to Clear With Computers, Inc. andare incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

System Modules

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred computer hardware system 15 forimplementing the software processing of the sales system. Computersystem 15 may be implemented with a wide variety of computers, such asdesktop or laptop computers. A preferred embodiment uses a laptop ornotebook computer so that salespersons may easily transport the systemand use it while making sales presentations, for example, at acustomer's facility.

A data storage device 11 electronically stores both graphic and textualinformation related to consumption and cost of products or servicesprovided by utilities, see FIG. 4 step 500. A user interacts with thesystem through a user interface apparatus 13. A display apparatus 10electronically displays the information stored within the data storage11. A report generation apparatus 14 is used for generating customizedreports or proposals based on the stored information. The reports orproposals may be generated either on-line or in a hard copy format, orin electronic, optical, or similar formats. A program selectionapparatus 12 processes the entered and stored information for use ingenerating customized proposals.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a preferred structure for modules of softwareexecuted by the system. The system 18, including the softwareprocessing, is also referred to in the present specification as“utilities system” (ENERGYWORKS). A first level of modules preferablyincludes file 20, view 21, option 22, and help 23, which may be selectedby a user. The file function 20 includes typical functions related tofile management, such functions related to the following: opening a newfile (24); opening a saved file (25); saving a file (26); saving a fileunder a new name (27); searching the database for a file (28); providingsummary information related to particular files (29); accounts andmeters (30); and setting up a printing function (31).

The option function 22 typically includes functions related to theinterface (33), office information (34), and setting up reports orproposals (35). The help function 23 typically including such functionsas indexing (36), and information about the help function (37) and thesystem (38).

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred structure for the sub-modules within theview module 21, which performs the primary processing, see FIG 4 step502 and 504, of entered and stored information for use in generatingcustomized reports or proposals. The view module 21 preferably includesthe following sub-modules or functions. A graphic overview module 40includes features and benefits slide shows (50) and other slide shows51. These slide shows may repeatedly display a particular show about thesystem, which may be used, for example, on a stand-alone display or tointroduce users to the product.

A services module 41 interacts with help text to display and provideinformation about a utility company's services. This may comprisedisplaying textual information on the display. The services may include,for example, those which are offered by Northern States Power Co. inMinnesota, such as the following: business energy audit (52); “compartner” program (53); farm audit (54); industrial audit (55); walk-thruaudit (56); ultra power (57); street lighting (58); economic development(59); and “electric serv over” (60).

A rates module 42 performs processing of entered and stored data inorder to calculate, for example, the effects of varying utility rates.These calculations may use predetermined formulas for rates in variousstates, such as Minnesota (61), North Dakota (62), and South Dakota(63), or any other predetermined geographic region. The rates module 42allows the system to, for example, dynamically calculate and thendisplay how different rates can result in cost savings to utilitycompany customers. This provides a powerful tool in providing immediatefeedback to customers without having to perform hand calculations. Thedisplay of sample graphs showing the results of rate calculations areprovided in the user interfaces in the microfiche appendices (see Table1). In addition, source code for exemplary rate calculations andformulas for the rates module 42 is provided in the microficheappendices (see Table 1).

The inventory module 43 allows a user to enter into the database 11information identifying and related to a customer's inventory. Thesystem may then use this information in calculating the effects of thevarious inventory on consumption and cost of products and servicesprovided by the utility. For example, new or more energy efficientequipment may result in lowered power consumption and hence a costsavings. Preferred user interfaces for entering inventory are providedin the microfiche appendices (see Table 1). The inventory, for example,is made up of devices and processes used by the customer such as chiller(64), cool storage (65), glazing (66), humidification (67), lighting(68), motors (69), refrigeration (70), and rooftop A/C (71).

A conservation programs module 44 may store information related to autility company's energy conservation programs. Module 44 alsopreferably performs processing to show the effects of implementing theconservation programs on power consumption and cost. These conservationprograms may include, for example, those which are offered by NorthernStates Power Co. in Minnesota, such as the following: ASD (adjustablespeed drive motor) rebate (72); chiller rebate (73); cooling systemreplacement (74); cool storage rebate (75); farm equipment rebate (76);glazing rebate (77); humidification rebate (78); lighting rebate (79);motors rebate (80); refrigeration rebate (81); and rooftop rebate (82).For example, the glazing rebate (77) provides a rebate on energy cost ifthe customer installs a particular film on windows to reduce powerconsumption; the humidification rebate (78) provides a rebate on energycost for adjusting a humidity level in buildings to reduce energyconsumption, and a lighting rebate (79) may provide a rebate for usingmore energy efficient rebate. The other types of rebates may provide acost savings or rebate based on the installation of more energyefficient equipment. Source code for exemplary calculations and formulaswhich may be used by the conservation program modules 44 is provided inthe microfiche appendices (see Table 1).

A finance module 45 is used by those utility companies which finance,for example, their own energy conservation programs. This may beimplemented with a typical finance programs which are well-known in theart.

A customer information module 46 gathers information about customers andmay store it in database 11. Such information may include, for example:name (83); account (84); business (85); facilities (86); address (87);and contacts (88). The customer information module 46 may also receiveor download such information from a computer database of the customer,which eliminates the need to re-enter large amounts of data. Preferreduser interfaces for the customer information module 46 are provided inthe microfiche appendices (see Table 1).

A proposal module 47 gathers information from the database 11 andgenerates customized proposals for customers, see FIG 4 step 506. Themodule 47 typically interfaces with a word processing program in orderto print out the report or proposal. A preferred embodiment interfaceswith Microsoft Word for printing a report or proposal. The module 47allows a user to select various parts of a report or proposal, which themodule 47 then assembles and generates. These parts of the report orproposal may include, for example, the following: a cover letter (89);proposal summary (90); customer profile (91); service rates (92);inventory (93); conservation (94); finance (95); and services (96).Examples of a typical customized proposal, and a proposal which includesall available reports for an exemplary collection of reports, areincluded within the appendices. The typical proposal would usually onlycontain selected reports from the exemplary collection of reports.Preferred user interfaces for the proposal module 47 are also providedin the appendices.

Table 1 provides a summary of the contents of the microfiche appendicesto the present specification. The user interfaces are compiled in theorder in which they would generally appear within each module of thesystem. These represent preferred user interfaces and one example of howthe system may be implemented.

TABLE 1 Appendix Contents A Sample typical proposal. B Sample proposalwith all reports from an exemplary collection of reports. C Source codefor rates calculations. D Source code for miscellaneous calculations, atextual description of which is provided in the sample proposals. E Mainscreen user interfaces for the system. F Exemplary user interfacesrelated to the graphics functions (40). G User interfaces for the ratesmodule 42. H User interfaces for the inventory module 43. I Userinterfaces for the conservation module 44. J User interfaces for thefinance module 45. K User interfaces for the customer module 46. L Userinterfaces for the proposal module 47.

System On-Line Sales Process

The following explains and illustrates the operation of the system for atypical sales process. Table 2 provides an outline of the typical salesprocess explained below. For definitions of system terms, see Table 3below. This typical sales process is also illustrated by thecorresponding user interfaces in the microfiche appendices.

TABLE 2 Topic Subroutines 1. Get started with utilities system: a. Startyour system b. Customize utilities system c. Make menu selections d.Work with dialog boxes e. Create cover letter templates f. Get help fromthis system 2. Prepare for your sales call: a. Prepare utility companymainframe information for use in your presentation b. Create a newpresentation c. Review your customer's current situation d. Review andselect graphic slides to view with your customer 3. Make arecommendation: a. Compare service rate alternatives b. Record inventoryof existing equipment c. Recommend conservation programs d. Calculatefinance payments e. Support your recommendation with additionalinformation f. Support your recommendation with overview graphics g.Propose utility company services h. Save your presentation i. Print yourproposal 4. Make your presentation: a. Recall a presentation b. Presentyour recommendations c. Save your presentation d. Print your proposal 5.Maintaining your presentations and files: a. Manage your files b. Setsystem options 6. Reference information: a. Definitions b. Errormessages

Create a New Presentation

In a utilities system, customer information and recommendations areorganized into a presentation for each customer. Each presentation youcreate contains current customer data, consumption history, and rateinformation which is used for your recommendations. Because utilitiessystem operates on the computer, every presentation you make can besaved as a computer file. You can refer to these files again and againto make and save any changes or updates you make to your presentations.

You can begin to create an accurate presentation with just a few easysteps: 1) Select New under the utilities system File menu. 2) The ImportAccounts screen will display the account listing from the last mainframefile you used. To select a different mainframe file, click on themainframe File button. To create a presentation for a customer where youdo not have mainframe information available, click OK without choosingan account. 3) Select the account you want to use in your presentationby clicking the Add button and clicking OK.

Accounts/Meters

The Accounts/Meters dialog box allows you to select the accounts andmeters you want to work with in your customer presentation. The topwindow of this dialog allows you to select or enter an account and thebottom window allows you to select specific meters to the presentation.If no accounts or meters are available, you may add accounts and meters:Click the Import mainframe button to bring account information from anmainframe file into your presentation. Click the New button to addaccounts and meters when no mainframe information is available.

You may also edit or delete accounts and meters from your presentation.Select the account or meter you want and click the Edit or Deletebutton. When you delete an account from your presentation, it remains apart of the mainframe file. If you delete an account from yourpresentation accidentally, you can recover it by starting a newpresentation.

See also: Create a new presentation; utilities system online reference.

Account

You can add an account to the system by entering an account number andaccount name. You can also edit an account number or description withthe cursor. Click the OK button after you have entered this information.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Import Accounts

The Import Accounts dialog box allows you to import accounts into yourpresentation. The upper window in the dialog box contains availableaccounts for importing. To add an account to your presentation, selectit and click the Add button. If you want to add all the accounts in thetop list box into your presentation, click on the Add All button. Thebottom list box shows the accounts that are available to yourpresentation.

To remove an account from your presentation, select the account in thelower window of the dialog box, and click Remove. You will only be ableto remove the account from your presentation. The information willremain as a part of the mainframe file. If the account you want toimport is not listed in the selected file, click on the mainframe filebutton to list additional files. Click on another file to list theaccounts in that file.

See also: Create a new presentation; utilities system online reference.

File Open

The File Open dialog box allows you to open the utilities systempresentation files you have saved. When you save your files and use thedefault directory utilities system installs for you, these defaults willbe in place when you use utilities system. If you save yourpresentations outside the default directory, you can find yourpresentations by selecting the correct drive and directory. Click theFind File . . . button if you need more help finding your files.

File Name: Type or select the name of the file you want to open. Thisbox lists files with the extension you select in the List Files Of Typebox. To see a list of files with a particular extension, type anasterisk “*”, a period and the three-character extension.

List Files Of Type: Select the type of file you want to see in the listbox. Utilities system Presentations (*.ew1) Lists all files in thecurrent directory saved with an .EW1 extension. All Files (*.*) Listsall files in the current directory.

Drives: Select the drive in which utilities system stores yourpresentation files.

Directories: Select the directory in which utilities system stores yourpresentation files.

Find File: Closes the Open dialog box and opens the Find Presentationdialog box so you can search for the location of your presentationfiles.

See also: Create a new presentation; Recall a presentation; utilitiessystem online reference.

Find Presentation

The Find Presentation dialog box helps you find presentations you wantto review. The list box on the left side of the Find Presentation dialogbox shows you the presentations you have created in utilities system.The information on the right side of the dialog box is a summary of thehighlighted presentation listed on the left. There are several buttonsat the bottom of the dialog box that you can use to help you find yourpresentations.

See also: Filter button; Sort button; Location button; Copy button;Recall a presentation; utilities system online reference.

Filter

The Filter dialog box allows you to reduce the number of presentationsby:

Customer Name: If you want to find presentations by customer name, youcan do it by selecting a customer name or a range of customer names.Selected—uses the pull-down menu to select the name of the customerwhose presentations you want to select. Range—defines a range ofcustomer names, such as “From: A To: M,” to select the presentationswith customer names that begin with the letters a through m.

Date: You can define a range to display your presentations by date,also. Type the dates using the format: “xx/xx/xx.” The FindPresentations dialog box will then display only the presentations withinthis range of dates.

Salesperson: Use the pull-down menu to select presentations by the nameof the salesperson who created them. If your name does not appear in thepull-down menu, add it to the list of salespeople by choosing OfficeInformation from the menu bar and clicking the Edit button. Click theNew button from the Salespeople dialog and type your name.

See also: Recall a presentation; utilities system online reference.

Sort

If you have created many presentations, it will be easier to find thepresentation you want to work with by sorting them. Choose the sortcriteria that fits your needs and click OK. You can sort yourpresentations in the Find Presentation dialog box by: Date; Salesperson;Customer; File Name; Presentation Title.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Location

You can use this dialog box to find your presentations by clicking onthe drive and directory that store your presentations. If you still havedifficulty finding your presentations, use the File Manager to findthem. Choose Search under the File menu and search for “*.EW1.” Thiswill list the utilities system files you are looking for and thedirectory that stores them.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Copy To

This feature is valuable for saving your presentations on disk. Thisdisk can then be used as a backup or for loading presentations ontoanother computer. You can use this dialog box to make copies of yourpresentations by double-clicking on the drive in which you want to storeyour presentations. This will display a list of all directories for thatdrive. Double-click on a directory to display a list of sub-directories.Click on the sub-directory in which you want your presentation stored.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Summary Info

Use this dialog box to attach a title and your presentation name to yourpresentation. Type the title of your presentation in the title box anduse the pull-down menu to choose your name.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Customer Information

The reports that you print out for your customer are important incommunicating your proposed recommendations. The items in the CustomerInformation module come from the account you selected when you beganyour presentation. The Customer Information module allows you to reviewor edit this information regarding the client's business. The CustomerInformation module displays information for you in several areas of thescreen.

Click on the buttons at the top of the screen to make changes to thecustomer information. Click on the Close key to leave this work area.When you select the Name button, you can enter information that willappear at the top of your reports. Use the tab key to move from onefield to another. If you choose not to enter information, utilitiessystem will insert information from the account that is active at thetime you print.

Account: Click on the graphic at left for instruction on enteringinformation on your customer's account.

Business: Click on the graphic at left for instruction on enteringinformation about your customer's business.

Facility: Click on the graphic at left for instruction on enteringinformation about your customer's facility.

Address: Click on the graphic at left for instruction on enteringinformation about your customer's address.

Contacts: Click on the graphic at left for instruction on enteringinformation about your customer's contacts.

See also: Create a new presentation; utilities system online reference.

Account Button

Use this section of Customer Information to review the accountinformation for your customer. You may want to enter a telephone andextension or fax number here.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Business Button

Use this section of Customer Information to review the SIC code,building function code and tax district related to your customer'sbusiness. The tax district listed for your customer is important. Thisinformation will tell the sales system which rates will be available inyour presentation.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Facility Button

Use this section of Customer Information to enter the number of squarefeet, days per week the customer operates the facility, number of hoursof operation and the number of employees who work in the facility. Thisinformation is for your use only and does not affect other areas of thesystem.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Address Button

Use this section of Customer Information to review the business andservice address information for your customer. The mainframe file youhave imported includes this information. You will want to change thisinformation if the customer has moved operations or changed the locationof their administrative offices. This dialog box gives you theopportunity to update the address information for your presentation andyour records.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Contacts Button

Use this section of Customer Information to record or update severalitems: names, titles and phone number of people you contact regularly atyour customer's place of business. The account information you importedcontains this information, but utilities system allows you to makechanges if your customer contacts change.

See also: utilities system online reference.

Recall a Presentation

If you have previously created a customer presentation, you will need torecall it from the hard drive when you make your sales call. When yourecall an existing utilities system presentation, all areas of utilitiessystem will again be available for selection and use. There are two waysto access your existing presentations. The first procedure is a simpleretrieval with no additional options. The second has several functionsintegrated into the selection of an existing presentation.

Simple retrieval: 1) Choose File: Open; 2) Click to choose anappropriate file.

Retrieval with options: 1) Choose File: Find File; 2) You can click tochoose an appropriate file and/or use the buttons across the bottom ofthe dialog box to customize your search functionality.

Open: This button allows you to open a selected presentation from thelist of options displayed in the dialog box.

Filter: This button lets you narrow your search for a particularpresentation or set of presentations. You can customize a search basedon customer name(s), dates and salesperson name.

Sort: This button lets you sort all presentations by date, salesperson,customer, file name or presentation title.

Location: This button lets you select a drive and/or directory to searchfor presentations you have stored in areas other than the default driveand directory.

Delete: The delete button lets you delete a presentation from the listdisplayed in the dialog box. If you choose to delete a presentation, amessage box will appear to confirm your intent to remove the selectedpresentation.

Copy: This button lets you copy a presentation to a selected directoryand drive. This button will allow you to copy one presentation at atime.

Close: This button lets you close the Find Presentation dialog box andreturn to your original position in utilities system.

Tip: All previously saved presentations will be stored with yourassigned file name followed by the .ew1 extension. If you do not chooseto assign a file name to your presentation, a default file name will beused.

See also: Start your system; File Open; Find Presentation.

Manage Your Files

Utilities system lets you easily save and recall your customerpresentations. These file management capabilities allow you to perform avariety of tasks which may include: saving a new presentation (File:Save As); replacing an older presentation with a modified version (File:Save); replacing an old file name with a new file name (File: Save As);copying or deleting presentations (File: Find File); sorting orfiltering presentations (File: Find File).

All previously saved presentations will be stored with your assignedfile name followed by the ew1 extension. If you do not choose to assigna file name to your presentation, a default file name will be used. Thedefault file name is assembled by using the first eight letters of anaccount name. For instance, if the account name was ImperialManufacturing, the default name would be imperial.ew1. If the firstaccount name contains fewer than eight characters, utilities systemlooks for a second name and inserts an “_” between the names. Forinstance, ABC Data Corporation would be represented as ABC_Data.ew1. Allpreviously saved presentations will be stored with your assigned filename followed by the .ew1 extension. You can change this extension.However, it is not recommended unless you require a customized style offile management.

See also: Save your presentation; Recall a presentation.

Set System Options

The Windows Control Panel provides you with a variety of options forchanging the configuration of your system. These changes can only bemade while you are using Windows. When you make a change using theControl Panel, the change will be evident the next time you use Windows.The changes that you make using the Control Panel will be evident in allaspects of your system including utilities system. If you do not knowhow to adjust the control panel options, consult your Windows Manual.

See also: Start your system; Customize utilities system.

Error Messages

Error messages are displayed to help ensure that utilities systemmaintains its full functionality. If an error message is displayed whileyou are using utilities system, it could be indicating the need for dataor be confirming your intent to remove data. Error messages are usuallyvery specific and displayed in conversational terms. Error messages aregenerally displayed at the time of, or shortly after an error occurs.When you have closed or responded to the error message box, you will bere-positioned at the error location, where you can cancel or retype anincorrect entry.

Typical error messages may include:

No Scenario Included in Proposal: This message means you need to createa scenario in the service rates dialog box.

Delete account “ABC?”: This message confirms your intent to delete data.If you do not want to delete that information, click to cancel thecommand.

Must enter both account number and account name: This message and otherslike it indicate the need for more data.

Invalid Entry. The range is X to X: This message indicates that the datayou have entered does not fall between the parameters assigned for thatvalue. You must re-enter data so that it falls between the values givenin the error message.

Start Your System

To access all areas of utilities system, you will begin a newpresentation with mainframe data, open an existing presentation, orbegin a new presentation without mainframe data. All areas of utilitiessystem are available for selection and use after a presentation has beenselected.

Start a presentation with mainframe data: 1) Choose File: New; 2) Clickon mainframe File and choose the appropriate file; 3) Click on Sort toarrange the displayed files; 4) Highlight an account name and click onAdd or Add All to import the account information.

Start a new presentation without mainframe data: 1) Choose File: New; 2)Click OK to bypass Import Accounts; 3) Click New under Accounts to enteran Account Number and Account Name; 4) Click New under Meters to enter aMeter Number.

Recall an existing presentation: 1) Choose File: Open; 2) Click tochoose the appropriate file.

See also: Prepare mainframe information for use in your presentation;Create a new presentation.

Make Menu Selections

Utilities system commands are listed on menus. All menus are listed onthe menu bar along the top edge of the application window. When youselect a menu item and choose a command, that command will carry out aspecific action. Move the pointer to your desired menu item and clickonce. This will open the menu. Click on a command to activate it orclick outside of the menu to close it. If you are not using a mouse, youcan access the menu selections by pressing Alt or F10 to highlight themenu bar. Press the left or right arrow to select a menu, and pressEnter to open the menu. Use your arrow keys to select a command, andpress Enter to execute that command.

Utilities system uses abbreviated key combinations for menu bar andcommand selections. If a name in the menu bar or command list has anunderlined letter, you can press Alt and then type the letter that'sunderlined to open the menu or execute the command.

See also: Start your system; Manage your files.

Work with Dialog Boxes

The dialog box is a standard item used to display messages on thescreen. Utilities system displays a dialog box to request informationabout a specific task or to supply you with information you might need.Most dialog boxes contain options you can select. Choosing an option mayrequire that you click on a button. Clicking a button will designate,confirm or cancel an action. You may choose to move a dialog box usingyour mouse or a combination of keyboard commands. If you want to movewithin a dialog box you can use your mouse to point and click on theoption or area you want to move to. You can also use the Tab key to movebetween option selections.

If you want to close a dialog box without completing a command: choosethe Cancel button, or press Esc, or double-click the Control-menu box.

See also: utilities system definitions.

Customize Utilities System

Whether you have just installed utilities system or would simply like tochange the look and feel of the screen and the displayed information,several options are available to customize utilities system to yourspecifications. They include: Interface Options and Office Information.

Interface Options: Choose Options: Interface and a pop window appearswhich allows you to turn the toolbar and the status bar on and off. Thebox containing an “x” is the option that is currently selected. Clickyour pointer at the right of the selection box to list the options. TheInterface Options window also contains an option that allows you tochoose a screen background or wallpaper pattern. Choices are availablein a drop-down list box. Click your pointer at the right of theselection box to list the options.

Office Information: Choose Options: Office Information and a pop windowappears which will let you input general office information about thesalesperson currently using utilities system. If you click your pointerto the right of the salesperson selection box, you will display acurrent list of salespeople. You may click the Edit button to the rightof the drop-down list to edit, delete or add a name to the list ofsalespeople. You can add or edit the remaining office information in thetext boxes.

See also: Manage your files; Set system options.

Create Cover Letter Templates

Utilities system gives you a standard cover letter template. You can usethis template or create cover letter templates in Microsoft Word. Youcan create an unlimited quantity of templates which will contain onlythe cover letter body text. Utilities system will create yoursalutation, your closing, and date your correspondence. The cover lettertemplates will be stored in a directory which will be accessed bychoosing Options: Report Setup. A dialog box will appear which will letyou select the most appropriate letter from the list of templates youhave created.

See also: Set system options.

Get Help From This System

There are two basic types of help available in utilities system:Context-sensitive help and Reference or topic-oriented help.

Context-sensitive help: This type of information may be accessed byclicking an area on the screen by pressing the F1 key in a dialog box orpop window. This will take you to a specific piece of information. Thecomputer keeps track of where the user is, and when prompted, displaysthe help information specifically related to that context. Thisinformation can come in the form of an online reference, proceduredescription, or both.

Reference or topic-oriented help: This type of information may beaccessed by pressing Alt + H or selecting Help from the menu bar. Thisdisplays a list of topics you can choose to access specific detailsabout utilities system. You decide what type of information is mostuseful and the computer retrieves the information for your use. Selecttopics from the table of contents by clicking on the topic. You may alsouse the Search button, which will allow you to search all help areas fora specific piece of information. The Back button allows you to go backto the previous screen you viewed. The Contents button will always takeyou back to the original list of topics or your table of contents. TheHistory button will display a list of the 50 most recently displayedtopics so that you can quickly access a topic without having tobacktrack one step at a time.

Tips: Keep the Help Viewer open and press Alt + Tab to toggle between ahelp topic and utilities system. This will allow you to keep your placein the help file if you want to view a help procedure and maintainprogram functionality.

See also: Error messages.

Review and Select Graphic Slides to View with Your Customer

Utilities system's Graphic Overview slides use pictures and text tohighlight key features and benefits. They also explain complex concepts.Using this module, you can show graphic slides to your customer, orprint selected graphics in your proposal. You may build a slide showbefore visiting your customer, or manually select graphics whilevisiting your customer. The Graphic Overview module is also a goodsource of training material for new representatives, and is an excellentway to learn about new utility company programs as they are released.

Use the home base Overview button to access the Graphic Overview module.Within the Graphic Overview module, you can: Use the Browse button oricon to select a carousel and/or specific slides for viewing. Use theNext and Previous buttons to advance slides one at a time. Use theDisplay button to change the way you show graphic slides. Use the SlideShow button to create or revise a slide show. Use Capture in thecontrol-menu box to make graphic slides available for slide shows oryour printed proposal. Slides that are captured for the Proposalcarousel may be printed in the Proposal module.

Within the Proposal module, you will be able to print the complete setof captured graphics. The Graphic Overview file folder with a plus (+)sign contains a group of available graphics. Double-click on the folderto list the folder's contents. Proposal elements will be printed in theindicated order. You must print all or none of the selected graphics.

See also: Print your proposal; Save your presentation; Present yourrecommendations.

Include Reports in Your Proposal

Utilities system lets you easily create proposals for your customer. Byincluding appropriate reports with supporting graphics and additionalinformation, you may more easily convince your customer of yourrecommendation's value. When you prepared your presentation, youselected scenarios you wanted to recommend in your proposal. Theappropriate reports for those recommendations—and other suggesteddocumentation—are available for printing in the Proposal module. Move tothe Proposal module to select reports and other materials for yourprinted proposal. A file folder with a plus (+) sign contains a group ofavailable reports. Double-click on the folder to list the individualreports. Add appropriate reports and supporting materials to yourproposal. Remove material you want to delete from your proposal. Previewyour proposal to confirm that it meets your needs. Print your proposalfor your customer. The Proposal dialog box shows the reports' printingorder.

See also: Support your recommendation with overview graphics; Supportyour recommendation with additional information; Save your presentation;Present your recommendations.

Support Your Recommendation with Graphic Overview

Utilities system's colorful graphics provide information about utilitycompanies, its service rates and its programs. Use the graphic slideswith additional information sheets to explain features, benefits andconcepts related to your recommendations. You can build a slide showbefore visiting your customer, or manually select graphics whilevisiting your customer. Show slides on the screen, and/or print selectedgraphics as part of your proposal to maximize your effectiveness. Usethe home base Overview button to access the Graphic Overview module.

Within the Graphic Overview module, you can: Use the Browse button oricon to select a carousel and/or specific slides for viewing. Use theNext and Previous buttons to advance slides one at a time. Use theDisplay button to customize the display method. Use the Slide Showbutton to create or revise a slide show. Use Capture in the control-menubox to make graphic slides available for slide shows or your printedproposal. Slides that are captured to the Proposal carousel may beprinted in the proposal module.

Within the Proposal module, you will be able to print the complete setof captured graphics. A file folder with a plus (+) sign contains agroup of available graphics. Double-click on the folder to list thefolder's contents. Proposal elements will be printed in the indicatedorder. You must print all or none of the selected graphics.

See also: Print your proposal; Support your recommendation withadditional information; Save your presentation; Present yourrecommendations; Propose utility company services.

Capture Graphic Slides

To include a Graphic Overview slide in a slide show or your printedproposal, you must first capture the desired graphic slide while you areviewing the slide. Choose Capture in the control-menu box. Then, chooseor create the name of the slide show that will receive the capturedslide. Place the graphic in the Proposal slide show to make it availablefor printing in the proposal.

See also: Support your recommendation with overview graphics; Save yourpresentation.

Use Slide Show

Utilities system contains quality graphics that will help orient yourcustomer, explain complex concepts, and increase your customer'sunderstanding of your proposal. Within the Graphic Overview module, usethe Browse button to find graphic slides that you plan to include inyour slide show. Capture these slides by clicking on the GraphicOverview control-menu box. Name the slide show that should receive thecaptured slides. If you have previously named the show, you may selectit from a list. Continue capturing slides to build your show slide byslide.

To play a new or revised slide show, use the Browse button to select theslide show from listed carousels. View the slide show as you would viewother graphics. To maintain your slide show, use the Slide Show button.The Slide Show dialog box includes two areas. The top area lists slideshows and should now include your new slide show's name. The bottom arealists individual graphic slides within the selected slide show. Use theAdd button to start building a new slide show. Use the upper Renamebutton to give a new name to an existing slide show. Use the upperDelete button to erase an entire slide show. Use the Copy button toduplicate an entire slide show. Click on the slide show you want tocopy. Click Copy. Type in a new slide show name. Use the Preview buttonto view an individual slide. Use the lower Delete button to removeundesired slides from a carousel. To review a slide show's contents,select its name in the upper box, then observe the slide names and theirorder in the lower box.

See also: Support your recommendation with overview graphics; Supportyour recommendation with additional information; Save your presentation;Print your proposal.

Browse

Use the Graphic Overview module's Browse dialog box to view a slidecarousel, or to view an individual graphic slide. Access the Browsedialog box with the Browse button or Browse icon. To view the graphicsas a set, choose the desired carousel. Choose a specific graphic only ifyou do not want to start at the carousel's first graphic. To view aspecific graphic, choose the desired carousel and graphic. To preview agraphic, highlight its name. A small picture of the graphic will appearin the Browse dialog box. This may be useful if you know a particularslide's appearance but do not know its title. Preview graphic fromGraphic Overview

See also: Support your recommendation with overview graphics; Display;Browse.

Display

Use the Display button or Display icon to control the graphic display.Select Manual to move forward slide by slide through the graphics usingthe Next button. Use the Previous button to move backward through thegraphics. Use Browse to view another carousel or to select an individualslide. Select Automatic to have a specific carousel advance at the speedyou designate. You may click the Pause button or Pause icon totemporarily stop the slide display, but you may not move backwardthrough the display. You would again click Pause to continue viewingslides. Adjust the speed to meet your needs. To stop an automatic slideshow, click Display, change back to manual, then click OK. Select aWindows Mode or Full Screen display mode. Windows Mode is the displaythat includes buttons at the top. If you choose Full Screen, the dialogbox's top buttons will disappear to give you and your customer a broaderview of the graphic slide. Use the icons at the bottom of the screen tochoose a different carousel, change the screen display, or move forwardand backward. If you are in the Full Screen display mode and your slideshow is running on automatic, you must return to the Windows Modedisplay to stop the slide show. You must also be in the Windows Mode toexit the Graphics Overview module.

See also: Support your recommendation with overview graphics; Includereports in your proposal.

Support Your Recommendation with Additional Information

The supporting information you include in your presentation and in yourprinted proposal will play a key role in persuading your customer totake a recommended action. It will increase your credibility and yourcustomer's understanding. Utilities system contains information sheetsthat you may show on the screen and/or include in your printed proposal.Use them to explain general concepts, or to answer customer questionsabout specific utility company service rates and programs. Before youmeet with your customer, you can use the information sheets to remindyou of a specific service rate or program's benefits and eligibilityrequirements.

For instance, when you recommend a Peak Control service rate for yourcustomer, you can develop a presentation that includes a related sellsheet, a listing of past control periods, and—if you desire—a ratesheet. The sell sheet helps you explain how the customer will benefitfrom your recommendation. The control period history will help answerthe question “How often will a utility company call for an interruptperiod?” The rate sheet provides reference material on the highlightedservice rate's eligibility requirements. View these information sheetswithin a module by highlighting a scenario and clicking the Informationbutton. Use the Proposal module to include information sheets in yourprinted proposal, or choose Print Topic from the File menu while viewinga desired information sheet.

See also: Save your presentation; Print your proposal; Present yourrecommendations; Propose utility company services.

Save Your Presentation

You invest your valuable time in developing a proposal. Preserve yourwork by frequently saving it. You can then recall your presentation toreview it with your customer, or to modify it to comply with customerrequests. Frequent saves also help ensure that your work is not lost ifyour computer experiences an interruption.

Utilities system lets you easily save your customer presentations. Tosave a new presentation, or to replace the originally saved presentationwith your modified version, simply return to the home base dialog boxand choose File: Save. Ensure that the file name, directory and driveare correct. To save an existing presentation under another presentationname, choose File: Save As. Then rename the presentation. If needed,change the directory and/or drive where the presentation will be stored.

See also: Manage your files; Print your proposal; Recall a presentation.

Print Your Proposal

In preparing your presentation, you made reports, graphic slides andinformation sheets available for printing in the Proposal module. Yourproposal will be more complete and convincing if you use these materialsto support your recommendations. A Proposal module file folder with aplus (+) sign contains a group of available reports, information sheetsor graphic slides. Double-click on the folder to list the folder'scontents. Select each item you want in your proposal and use the Addbutton to build your proposal. You must select all or none of theavailable Graphic Overview slides. Use the Remove button to delete anitem from your proposal. Preview your proposal to confirm that it meetsyour needs, then Print the personalized proposal for your customer. Theproposal elements will be printed in the order shown in the SelectedReports box.

See also: Save your presentation; Present your recommendations.

Present Your Recommendations

Utilities system gives you freedom to present your recommendations sothey produce the best results for you. Start by recalling apresentation. You may introduce your presentation by using GraphicOverview to show a slide show or a specific graphic slide related toyour planned discussion. You may also use overview graphics later inyour presentation to explain specific concepts.

You may use utilities system to present your recommendation, show howyou developed it, discuss alternatives, and revise your recommendation.You may have your customer view this on the screen, or you may provideprinted reports. Use program information related to specific servicerates or programs to support your recommendation. Use a module'sInformation button to access this information for viewing. While you arewith your customer, you may also wish to suggest utility companyservices. Access these programs using the home base Services button. Youmay show this information on the screen or give your customer printedinformation sheets.

You may revise your recommendation based on additional customerinformation. You may also print a complete proposal that may be used byvarious people in your customer's organization. A complete proposalallows your contact to carry the complete message to the decision maker.Make sure to save your final presentation and to manage your files soyou can find the correct presentation file when you need it.

See also: Support your recommendation with additional information;Propose utility company services.

Print Information Sheets Supporting Your Recommendation

Access supporting information sheets within a module by highlighting ascenario and clicking the Information button. Use the Proposal module toinclude information sheets in your printed proposal, or choose PrintTopic from the File menu while viewing a desired information sheet.

If you use the Proposal module, appropriate information sheets will beavailable in a module's folder. A file folder with a plus (+) signcontains a group of available proposal elements. Double-click on thefolder to list the folder's contents. Select each item you want in yourproposal and use the Add button to build your proposal. Use the Removebutton to delete an item from your proposal. Preview your proposal toconfirm that it meets your needs, then Print the personalized proposalfor your customer. The proposal elements will be printed in the ordershown at the right of the Proposal dialog box.

See also: Present your recommendations.

Present Selected Overview Graphics

Your presentation will be more convincing if you use utilities system'sgraphic slides to help tell your customer about utility companies, itsservice rates and its programs. The colorful graphics accompanied bytext make it easier for your customer to understand complex ideas. Ifyou have not built a Graphic Overview slide show before visiting yourcustomer, you can manually select graphics while visiting your customer.Show slides on the screen, and/or print selected graphics as part ofyour proposal.

Use the home base Overview button to access the Graphic Overview module.Within the Graphic Overview module, you can: Use the Browse button oricon to select a carousel and/or specific slides for viewing. Use theNext and Previous buttons to advance slides one at a time. Use theDisplay button to customize the display method. Use the Slide Showbutton to create or revise a slide show. Use Capture in the control-menubox to make graphic slides available for slide shows or your printedproposal.

Within the Proposal module, you will be able to print the complete setof captured graphics. The Graphic Overview file folder with a plus (+)sign contains a groups of available graphics. Double-click on the folderto list the folder's contents. Proposal elements will be printed in theindicated order. You must print all or none of the selected graphics.

See also: Review and select graphic slides to view with your customer;Support your recommendation with overview graphics; Print your proposal;Save your presentation.

Compare Service Rate Alternatives (submenu)

Use information to answer customer questions: Compare service rates;Propose time of day rates; Propose alternative use patterns; Investigateservice rates for new facilities.

Record Inventory of Existing Equipment

The utilities system Inventory module helps you evaluate your customer'sexisting energy consumption. Before you can select the Inventory module,you must create a new customer file or open an existing file. Click onthe home base Inventory icon to access the Inventory module. TheInventory module is made up of a worksheet where you can enter, save, ormake changes to your customer's equipment inventory.

Within the Inventory Worksheet: Select an equipment type from the list.Equipment types include Chiller, Cool Storage, Glazing, Humidification,Lighting, Motor, Refrigeration and Rooftop. Enter and save yourcustomer's equipment inventory information. Recall stored customerinventory information and make changes to create conservation scenarios.Close the Inventory Worksheet to return to the home base. Once you haverecorded the customer's inventory, use the Conservation module to makerecommendations for equipment changes.

See also: Use the Inventory Worksheet; Save your presentation; Create anew presentation.

Use the Inventory Worksheet

Use the home base Inventory icon to access the Inventory Module.Double-click to select the equipment type you are recording, orhighlight the equipment category and click the Edit button. TheInventory Worksheet for that equipment type is then displayed. Forexample, if you selected Lighting, the title bar will say LightingInventory.

Within the Inventory dialog box: Select the Area/Type where theequipment resides, or add a new Area/Type. Use the New button to accessthe existing equipment dialog box. Use the Edit, Delete and Copy buttonsto modify highlighted inventory entries. These buttons are activatedonly when you have existing inventory information. Edit existinginventory information by highlighting the entry you want to revise andclicking Edit. The existing inventory for the highlighted entry isdisplayed.

You can change the information fields. Click OK to save your changes.Delete existing inventory information by highlighting the entry you wantto eliminate, and clicking Delete. The warning dialog box is displayed.If you change your mind, or want to review the information, clickCancel. Click OK to confirm the deletion. Copy existing inventoryinformation by highlighting the entry you want to duplicate, andclicking Copy. The Area/Type Copy dialog box is displayed. If you havesimilar inventory entries, use the Copy button to copy this informationand then edit the information. You can also copy inventory informationto other Area/Types. In the From field, your previous Area/Type isshown. In the To field, you can select one of the default selections ortype a new Area/Type. Click OK to save your changes. Use the Cancelbutton to return to the previous dialog box.

Area/Type

Utilities system's Inventory and Conservation Area/Type input boxes havefour default settings: Office, Lobby, Production and Warehouse. You canselect one of these settings or type a new Area/Type in the field.

Use Existing Lighting Inventory Dialog Box

When you select New or Edit in the Lighting Inventory dialog box, theExisting Lighting dialog box is displayed. Within the Existing Lightingdialog box: Use the Attachment button to customize the attachments foreach lamp. Within the Attachment dialog box, you can specify and saveapplicable information. Using the attachment, when applicable, willallow you to create a more detailed lighting inventory for yourcustomer. Use the Add button to enter a custom lamp not included in thedefault list. When you select Add, you can choose the lighting type,lamp, watts/units, lamps/unit, and ballasts. Select OK to save your newlamp entry in the Existing Lighting dialog box. Use the Edit button toaccess the Custom Lamp dialog box. You can only edit highlightedlighting information that you added as a custom lamp. The defaultlighting information cannot be changed. The Oper Hrs button will accessthe Operation Hours dialog box. By entering the Hours/Day, Days/Week,Percent of On Peak, and the Percent of Coincidence Factor, the annualoperating hours of the lighting equipment will be recalculated. Click OKto save changes or additions. Use the Cancel button to return to theLighting Inventory dialog box without saving changes.

Use Existing Motors Inventory Dialog Box

When you select New or Edit in the Motors Inventory dialog box, theExisting Motors dialog box is displayed. The selection box contains acomplete list of all motors defined within Motor Master. Within theexisting equipment dialog box: Use the top input boxes to record themotor's horsepower, RPM, enclosure type and voltage. Motors with theseattributes will be available in the center of the dialog box. Select theappropriate motor, and indicate the number of units in place. Use theAdd Motor button to customize the motor inventory. When you select Add,you can enter the manufacturer, type, RPMs, model, voltage, efficiencyand horsepower. Select OK to record your entry. The new motor will berecorded in the existing motor dialog box.

Use the Edit Motor button to access the Custom Motor dialog box. You canonly edit highlighted motor information that you added as a custommotor. The default custom motor information cannot be changed. The OperHrs button will access the operations dialog box. By entering theHours/Day, Day/Week, Percent of On Peak, and the Percent of CoincidenceFactor, the annual operating hours of the motor inventory equipment willbe recalculated. Click OK to save additions or changes. Use the Cancelbutton to return to the Motor Inventory dialog box without savingchanges.

See also: Operation Hours—Lighting and Motors; Use the InventoryWorksheet; Record inventory of existing equipment.

Operation Hours—Lighting and Motors

Use of lighting and motor equipment varies. Therefore, utilities systemallows you to designate the hours, days per week, percent of on peak(kWh), and percent coincidence factor for your customer's equipment.Utilities system calculates the annual hours automatically when youselect OK.

Prepare Walk-Through Audit Reports

Utilities system allows you to enter all the information needed tocomplete a Walk-Through Audit. After you have used the Inventory moduleto enter your customer's present (end-use) inventory, you can print andpackage the following reports together as a Walk-Through Audit.

Cover Letter—customized cover letter can be selected for printing withthe Walk-Through Audit report. To do this, select Options from the HomeBase screen. Select Report Setup. Change the Cover Letter Directory andFilename to c:\cwc-dir\ew\walkaudt.doc.

Customer Profile Report—contains information about your customer andyour customer's past twelve months' consumption history.

Inventory Report—provides your customer with a listing of the customer'spresent inventory.

Sell Sheets—summarizes energy-saving programs that you are recommendingfor your customer to consider.

Rate Sheets—Common Questions/Answered—provides information to help yourcustomer understand service rates.

Rate-Tariff Sheets—Provide your customer with the actual tariff forservice rates.

See also: Record inventory of existing equipment.

Recommend Conservation Programs

Utilities system's Conservation module will help you proposeenergy-efficient programs for your customer. Use the home base Conservebutton to access the Conservation module. Before you replace or retrofitexisting equipment, use the Inventory module to record existingequipment.

Use the Conservation module to: Plan energy-efficient options for a newstructure. Replace or retrofit an existing structure's inefficientelectrical equipment. Investigate savings and rebates that your customercould gain through conservation programs. The Conservation module hasbeen designed to adapt to various selling styles and situations. Eachline in the Conservation Worksheet is a scenario containing improvementsyou want to compare or suggest as a group.

See also: Propose equipment for a new or existing structure; UseConservation Worksheet; Calculate finance payments.

Propose Equipment for a New or Existing Structure

To replace or retrofit a facility's electrical equipment, you must firstcomplete an inventory of your customer's existing equipment. Do this inthe Inventory module. Then, access the Conservation module using thehome base Conserve button. Within the Conservation Worksheet, click Newto obtain a list of conservation programs. Select the program you wantto consider. A dialog box will ask you about the proposed equipment andwill show existing equipment at the bottom of the window. Complete theappropriate information.

Use the Description input box to name your scenario, then select theArea/Type for the existing equipment to be replaced. Use the Replacebutton as a toggle to change existing equipment's replacement status inthe bottom box's Repl column. Equipment you originally entered in theInventory module will be set for replacement when you enter theConservation module. If you input additional existing equipment afteryou start using the Conservation module, the items will notautomatically be replaced. Retrofit equipment by highlighting theequipment to be modified, and click the Retrofit button. Use New toselect equipment for your proposed scenario. Complete the requestedinformation. Use the Edit, Delete and Copy buttons to modify thehighlighted proposed conservation program scenario. Use Add to create acustom entry for an adjacent option list if the equipment you want isnot included in that list. Use Edit to modify your custom entry.

Return to the dialog box that shows the proposed and existing equipment.To explore your customer's financing options, access the EnergyFinancing module after you have “included” scenarios in yourpresentation. If during a presentation your customer suggests a slightlydifferent configuration, copy your scenario and edit it to thecustomer's specifications. Then, you can compare both results todetermine the best option.

See also: Support your recommendation with additional information; Printyour proposal; Save your presentation; Present your recommendations.

Use Conservation Worksheet

The Conservation Worksheet helps you propose energy-efficient programsfor your customer. Access it by using the home base Conserve button. Usethe New button to select the conservation program you want to consider.Enter the information requested by the dialog box that appears. Use theEdit, Delete and Copy buttons to modify the highlighted proposedconservation program scenario. Highlight a scenario and review itsrebates, savings, payback, and summary information. Use the Includebutton or double-click on the scenario if you want to include thescenario in the Proposal module, the home base information, theConservation Worksheet's bottom summary information, and the EnergyFinancing module. Click Include again to unmark an included scenario.Use the Options button to complete information needed for variousreports and rebate forms. Use the Information button to view sell sheetsrelated to the highlighted conservation program. Use the Close button toreturn to utilities system's home base.

See also: Propose equipment for a new or existing structure; Calculatefinance payments; Print your proposal; Save your presentation; Presentyour recommendations.

Summary Information

The summary located at the bottom of the Conservation Worksheet includesprojected annual savings, estimated costs, and return on investment. Thesummary information may consist of text or a pie chart. Select theSavings radio button to view a pie chart. Select the Summary radiobutton to view summary information in text form.

Use the Current Rate radio button to base the summary calculations onyour customer's current service rate. Use the Proposed Rate radio buttonto base the summary calculations on the proposed service rate you“included” in the Service Rates module. Use the Individual radio buttonto display a summary of the highlighted scenario. Use the Total radiobutton to summarize information from all the scenarios you marked usingthe Include button.

Account Summary

The utilities system home base window summarizes recommendations youmake in the Service Rates, Conservation and Energy Financing modules.This includes multiple accounts and multiple meters. Use the ServiceRates, Conservation Programs and Energy Financing buttons to view aspecific module's summary.

Selecting the Right Lighting Rebate

Two rebates are available in utilities system:

Full Conversion Rebate and Partial Rebate. To access the rebates, usethe Rebate button in the Lighting Efficiency dialog box. Utilitiessystem automatically calculates the rebates based on the customerinventory information and the scenarios you have proposed. The defaultsetting is for Full Conversion Rebate. Select the best rebate for yourcustomer by clicking on it.

See also: Propose equipment for a new or existing structure; UseConservation Worksheet.

Adjustable Speed Drive

Adjustable speed drives (ASDs) can improve the operating efficiency ofyour customer's motor(s). Before attaching an adjustable speed drivewithin the Conservation module, you must input your customer's existingmotor(s) in the Inventory module.

Within the Conservation module's worksheet: Click New and select ASDRebate to access the Adjustable Speed Drive dialog box. Existing motorswill appear in the bottom input box. Highlight the motor to which youwant to attach an ASD. Click Attach ASD to access the Proposed ASDdialog box. Input the appropriate ASD information, then access theOperations Flow dialog box by using the Oper Flow button. The Flow AtOperating Point column will show loads at which the motor can beoperated. Type the percent of time the motor will operate at eachoperating point. utilities system will adjust the 100% entry so thatyour total will always equal 100 percent. Type the Days/Year Operatedfor later reference. After you click OK or click in the Days/YearOperated input box, utilities system calculates a total point value. Inthe Operations Flow dialog box, view the Total Point Value. Compare thisvalue with the bottom table to determine the ASD's potential foreconomic feasibility.

See also: Propose equipment for a new or existing structure; UseConservation Worksheet.

Operation Hours for Existing Rooftop Air Conditioning

Because rooftop air conditioning use varies by season, utilities systemallows you to designate operation hours for each month. You can inputexisting equipment's operation hours in the Inventory module andproposed equipment's operation hours in the Conservation module.

While describing the equipment, use the Oper Hrs button to access theOperation Hours dialog box. You can use the Set Default button to obtaina utility company's default data for kW and hours, or you can typeinformation in the input boxes. If you want to revert to the defaultdata after you have typed information, use the Set Default button. Allof the information you typed in the Operation Hours dialog box will bereplaced with the default information. Utilities system willautomatically calculate the annual operation hours.

See also: Propose equipment for a new or existing structure; UseConservation Worksheet.

Operation Hours for Proposed Rooftop Air Conditioning

Because rooftop air conditioning use varies by season, utilities systemallows you to designate operation hours for each month. You can inputexisting equipment's operation hours in the Inventory module andproposed equipment's operation hours in the Conservation module.

While describing the equipment, use the Oper Hrs button to access theOperation Hours dialog box. You can use the Set Default button to obtaina utility company's default data for kW and hours, or you can typeinformation in the input boxes. If you want to revert to the defaultdata after you have typed information, use the Set Default button. Allof the information you typed in the Operation Hours dialog box will bereplaced with the default information. Utilities system willautomatically calculate the annual operation hours.

See also: Propose equipment for a new or existing structure; UseConservation Worksheet.

Select Conservation Program

Use this dialog box to select the desired conservation program.Highlight the desired program and click OK, or double-click on thedesired program.

Proposed ASD

Input the appropriate ASD information, then access the Operations Flowdialog box by using the Oper Flow button.

Operations Flow

Use this dialog box to show how your customer's motor will be used.Utilities system will use the data you input to calculate the adjustablespeed drive's potential to save your customer money.

The Flow At Operating Point column shows loads at which the motor can beoperated. Type the percent of time the motor will operate at eachoperating point. Utilities system will adjust the 100% entry so thatyour total will always equal 100 percent. Type the Days/Year Operatedfor later reference. After you click OK or click in the Days/YearOperated input box, utilities system calculates a total point value. Inthe Operations Flow Dialog box, view the Total Point Value. Compare thisvalue with the bottom table to determine the ASD's potential foreconomic feasibility.

See also: Propose equipment for a new or existing structure; UseConservation Worksheet.

Operation Hours

Use this dialog box to designate how much your customer's rooftop airconditioning operates each month. You can use the Set Default button toobtain a utility company's default data for kW and hours, or you cantype information in the input boxes. If you want to revert to thedefault data after you have typed information, use the Set Defaultbutton. All of the information you typed in the Operation Hours dialogbox will be replaced with the default information. Utilities system willautomatically calculate the annual operation hours.

See also: Operation hours for existing rooftop air conditioning;Operation hours for proposed rooftop air conditioning.

Lighting Efficiency

Utilities system automatically calculates Lighting Efficiency Rebatesbased on your previous work. Within the Lighting Efficiency dialog box,select the rebate that is best for your customer.

Propose Utility Company Services

While you visit your customer, you may also recommend utility companyservices. Utilities system contains feature, benefit and eligibilityinformation on energy audits, customer service programs, and other areasto help you recommend these programs. Access this information by usingthe home base Services button. You may show these information sheets onscreen and/or include them in your printed proposal. Use them to explaingeneral concepts and to answer customer questions. Before you meet withyour customer, you can use information sheets to remind yourself ofavailable services and their details. Use the Proposal module to includethese information sheets in your printed proposal, or choose Print Topicfrom the File menu while viewing a desired information sheet.

See also: Support your recommendation with additional information;Support your recommendation with overview graphics; Save yourpresentation; Print your proposal; Present your proposal.

Print Information for Utility Company Services

To print information on services, first use the home base Servicesbutton to access that information. Use the Proposal module to includeinformation sheets in your printed proposal, or choose Print Topic fromthe File menu while viewing a desired information sheet. If you use theProposal module, this type of information sheet will be available in theInformational Programs folder. A file folder with a plus (+) signcontains a group of available proposal elements. Double-click on thefolder to list the folder's contents.

Select each item you want in your proposal and use the Add button tobuild your proposal. Use the Remove button to delete an item from yourproposal. Preview your proposal to confirm that it meets your needs,then Print the personalized proposal for your customer. The proposalelements will be printed in the order shown at the right of the Proposaldialog box.

Developing a Proposal for Multiple Accounts/Meters

Utilities system gives you the flexibility to develop one proposal for acustomer who has multiple accounts and/or meters. Most of your stepswill be similar to those you would perform for a single-account orsingle-meter customer. Begin by selecting accounts/meters for yourpresentation. Select File: New, then use the Import Accounts dialog boxto make your customer's account information available while you createyour proposal. After you click OK, an Accounts/Meters dialog box willappear. Select the first account and meter you want to use. You can onlywork with one account and meter at a time.

Now, use the Customer Information module to designate the name you wantprinted on your reports. Use the Name button to access the dialog boxwhere you will enter this information. You will probably want to revisethe name and address information so that it encompasses all of theproposal's accounts. Once you have entered this information, you willnot have to enter it again for a new meter or account within thatproposal. Prepare your proposal one account at a time. Select File:Accounts/Meters and start with the first account. Prepare a completeproposal meter by meter, but do not print your proposal at this point.Repeat this process until you have prepared proposal components for eachaccount.

Notice that worksheets only summarize scenarios for the activeaccount/meter. A summary of the proposal's accounts/meters is shown atthe home base window. Use the home base Service Rates, ConservationPrograms and Energy Financing buttons to view the individual scenariosthat comprise your proposal. After you complete your proposal, use theProposal module to obtain your printed document. You may select onecover letter and various reports. Utilities system will print all thereports of one type before continuing to the next report type. Forexample, it would print Service Rates Summary reports for all accounts,then print Service Rates Detail reports for all accounts.

See also: Create a new presentation; Compare service rate alternatives;Record inventory of existing equipment; Propose equipment for a new orexisting structure; Calculate finance payments.

Calculate Finance Payments

The Energy Financing module will help you determine finance options foryour customer. Use the home base Finance button to access the EnergyFinancing module. If you have not yet proposed conservation programs,you must do so before you investigate finance options. If you haveproposed conservation programs (and marked them for inclusion in yourpresentation), they will be listed in the Energy Financing module.

The Energy Financing module allows you to:

1) Review a summary of the conservation programs (appears on the tophalf of the screen) and Include them in the finance calculation. Click aconservation program to highlight it and then click Include ordouble-click on the scenario to add the scenario to the financecalculations. Press Include again to omit the conservation program.

2) View finance information (appears on the bottom half of the screen).The system will update the finance information as you Include or omitconservation programs.

3) Use the Terms button to change the amount to finance, APR or numberof months to finance. For example, the customer may want to pay aportion of the cost up front, reducing the amount to finance. ClickOverride to enter the new amount to be financed. The customer may alsowant to change the term. Click Term to change from Calculate Term to auser-entered term.

4) View the estimated effect the proposed financing will have on thecustomer's monthly bill (appears on the lower right part of the screen).

5) Use the Information button to see sales information regarding EnergyFinancing. The Finance Summary report and finance forms will beavailable for printing from the Proposal module.

See also: Print your proposal; Support your recommendation withadditional information.

Calculate Term

Utilities system automatically calculates a finance term up to 60months. The system finds the term that will yield a monthly payment withthe smallest impact to the customer's monthly energy bill. To change theterm, click the Terms button, then click on the Term (months) radiobutton and enter the desired length of financing.

Prepare Mainframe Information for Use in Your Presentation

Utilities system is designed to work with data available through a linkto the mainframe system. When you use mainframe to download informationon customers, you can access up-to-date, accurate information withoutgoing through the time-consuming process of entering it by hand. Thisinformation includes current account information for your customer,including an accurate, 12-month history of your customer's electricconsumption. The mainframe information can save you a great deal of timeover typing it into a database. See the mainframe documentation forassistance in downloading mainframe files.

Review Your Customer's Current Situation

Before you make a formal presentation or create a proposal, you willwant to analyze the customer's current information within the Ratemodule's worksheet. The first line of the worksheet is reserved for thecustomer's current service rate. Highlight the first line and selectEdit. Select the Rate Info . . . or Consumption buttons to display moredetailed information on the rate or the customer's consumption history.The graph at the bottom of the screen displays Energy, Demand, LoadFactor or Savings patterns. Select the radio buttons below the graph tochange the information displayed by the graph.

See also: Compare service rates.

Use Information to Answer Customer Questions

The information sheets found in the Rates module contain referencematerial you can use to answer customer questions. The informationcontains items like Rate-Tariff sheets, sell sheets, and answers tocommon questions. The information sheets available in the Rates modulecan be used to explain the rate the customer is billed under or the oneyou are proposing. Utilities system will display the appropriate topicsfor the service rate you currently have in focus. To review and printthe information sheets, click the Information button within the Ratesmodule. Select the topic you want to review. You can review theinformation on the screen by clicking on Display Topic. To print, clickon File: Print Topic You may also select information in the Proposalmodule and include it in the printed proposal you give to your customer.The service rate you have in focus determines the information that isavailable. Utilities system displays only the appropriate informationtopics that pertain to the service rate you are reviewing.

See also: Support your recommendation with additional information.

Compare Service Rates

The Rates module of utilities system is designed to be a flexible toolallowing the sales representative to help a customer visualize theservice rate options available to them. Use the utilities system Ratesmodule to: 1) Analyze the customer's current rate, consumption data,power and load factors, as well as taxes and fees currently applied totheir account. 2) Compare service rate alternatives. 3) Analyze theimpact of changing consumption. 4) Analyze the impact of changing PDLlevels, service voltage, power factor correction.

You can offer customers several service rate options that can save themmoney on their electric bills. You can illustrate the advantages of eachrate by creating different scenarios. Use these scenarios to compare thecustomer's present rate with other rates that fit your customer's needs.You can investigate a new service rate in the Rates module by clickingthe New button and changing the displayed rate options to fit thecustomer's application. If your customer's use pattern will also change,click the Consumption button from the rate option window, and enter thenew consumption data or change the present consumption data.

Printing the graphs for a scenario you have created. When you arereviewing a rate scenario for a client, click the Include button ordouble-click on the scenario to mark the scenario for inclusion inProposal module reports. The graph that is displayed when you selectInclude will be included in the Service Rates: Summary and Detailreports located in the Proposal module.

See also: Propose alternative use patterns; Print your proposal.

Propose Time of Day Rates

Review the customer's consumption history. If you and your customer findways to shift more of the customer's electrical load from daytime hoursto nighttime hours, it may be a benefit to move the customer to atime-of-day rate.

Use either method below to propose alternative use patterns:

1) Select New from the Rates module worksheet. Then select a time-of-dayrate and enter the consumption data that reflects the customer'schanges.

2) utilities system can assist you by splitting the consumption data asa percentage of on-peak energy. Enter the split percentage in the % OnEnergy field.

3) Select Consumption to review and/or modify the resulting data.

4) Off-peak demand in excess of on-peak demand may be entered manuallyif it applies to your situation.

See also: Present your recommendations; Print your proposal.

Propose Alternative Use Patterns

Use utilities system to calculate projected billing when your customerplans to change usage patterns due to expanding facilities, changingoperation hours, or adding new equipment. You can calculate theprojected billing for a customer who is changing the pattern of theirelectrical energy use from the Rate Summary screen by selecting the Newbutton and the current service rate or one which fits the customer's newuse pattern. Select Consumption and enter the projected consumptiondata. The Rates worksheet screen will display your customer's projectedannual billing and savings.

See also: Present your recommendations; Print your proposal.

Investigate Service Rates for New Facilities

You can use the Rates module to compare service rates for a newfacility. Instead of doing a walk-around inventory as you would for afacility that's in operation, you might meet with the customer'sarchitectural or electrical engineer. These professionals and others whoare familiar with the planned operation can give you good information onthe types of machinery which will be in use and their loads, as well asthe shifts that will be running at the facility.

When you have the information you need, you can estimate the demand andenergy levels of the customer's new facility and, using the informationgiven to you by the customer, you can use utilities system to recommenda rate for the new facility.

When you begin recommending a service rate for a new facility you willwant to: 1) Choose File: New from the menu bar. 2) Start a newpresentation by clicking the OK button in the Import Accounts dialog boxwithout having selected an account. 3) Select New and add a new accountnumber and an account name. 4) Select New and add a new meter number. 5)Enter any identifying information you want in the Customer Informationmodule. 6) Select Edit in the Rates module. 7) Enter the taxes and feesthat are appropriate for your customer. 8) Select Consumption and enterthe projected consumption data. 9) Select Rate Info and enter thevoltage type and/or number of tons of air conditioning for the customer.

See also: Present your recommendations; Print your proposal.

Extension

This term refers to the “.” and the last three letters at the end of afilename. An extension helps identify the type of information a filecontains. For example, the files you create using Microsoft Word havethe extension .DOC.

Control Panel

The Windows Control Panel allows you to visually manipulate theconfiguration of your system while you are using the Windows operatingsystem. When you change a configuration in the control panel, it will bereflected the next time you run the Windows operating system.

System Configuration

System configuration is a general term which refers to system features,functionality, and resource limitations.

Presentation

The term presentation is used in two different ways when referencingutilities system. The first is an electronic file composed of theinformation you have selected for a specific customer. This informationcontains your recommendations based on factors like consumption history.The second refers to the actual verbal presentation you make to yourcustomer. This type of presentation may include the electronicpresentation you created for your customer.

TABLE 3 System Definitions Term Definition Browse icon Use this icon toselect another Graphic Overview carousel when you are in the Full Screendisplay mode. Button A button is a push-button-like image in a dialogbox. Click on it to designate, confirm or cancel an action. CaptureCapture is the procedure used to designate a Graphic Overview slide forpossible inclusion in a slide show or printed proposal. Access theCapture function in the Control-menu box. Carousel A carousel is a groupof graphics in the Graphic Overview module. They may be viewedindividually or as part of a set. Control-menu box The control-menu boxis the small box located in the upper left corner of a Windows dialogbox. Use it to access the Capture and Print Screen functions inutilities system. Dialog box A dialog box is a standard item used todisplay messages on the screen. A dialog box often requires you tochoose an option or provide information before the computer does whatyou want it to Display icon Use this icon to control the GraphicOverview display options when you are in the Full Screen display mode.Home Base Home base refers to the base screen of all utilities systemoperations. Use the Close button to return to home base from a module.Icon An icon is an image that represents a process, object, concept ormessage. Module A module is a portion of a program that executes aspecific function. It may be used alone or combined with other modulesof the same program. Pause icon Use this icon to temporarily stop thegraphic display when you are in the Full Screen display mode. ClickPause again to continue viewing the graphics. Proposal A proposal is theprinted document that you give your customer. Scenario A scenario is aset of alternatives being considered in a utilities system module. Slideshow A utilities system slide show is a group of graphics created by theuser. You may access an existing slide show or create a new slide showin utilities system.

While the present invention has been described in connection with thepreferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that manymodifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, andthis application is intended to cover any adaptations or variationsthereof. It is manifestly intended that this invention be limited onlyby the claims and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer implemented sales system for assistingwith the sale of utility products and services by generating customizedreports related to how the customer can optimize its costs for utilityproducts and services, comprising: a receiver configured to receive datarepresentative of customer utility usage, utility rates, and utilitycosts saving programs; a memory arrangement coupled to the receiver andconfigured to store the data representing the customer utility usage,the utility rates, and the utility costs saving programs; and aprocessor coupled to the memory arrangement and configured to: processthe data representing the customer utility usage, the utility rates, andthe utility costs saving programs in order to select a utility servicerate and a utility costs saving program for the customer, and generatecustomized reports illustrating revised customer utility costs based onapplying the customer utility usage to the data representative of theselected utility service rate, and the selected utility costs savingprogram.
 2. The computer implemented sales system of claim 1 wherein theprocessor is configured to output customized reports on-line.
 3. Thecomputer implemented sales system of claim 1 wherein the receiver andmemory are further configured to receive and store costs saving programscomprising conservation programs.
 4. The computer implemented salessystem of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured togenerate customized reports which include graphs illustrating the affectthe selected utility rate and the selected utility costs saving programhas on the cost of utility products and services to the customer.
 5. Thecomputer implemented sales system of claim 1 wherein the receiver,memory arrangement and processor are further configured to receive,store and process data representative of customer utility usagecomprising data representative of past usage of the utility by thecustomer in order to provide historical perspective of the customersutility usage and utility costs.
 6. The computer implemented salessystem of claim 1 wherein the receiver, memory arrangement and processorare further configured to receive, store and process data representativeof customer utility usage comprising data representative of future usageof the utility by the customer in order to provide prospective view ofutility usage and utility costs.
 7. The computer implemented salessystem of claim 1 wherein the receiver, memory arrangement and processorare further configured to receive, store and process data representativeof customer utility usage comprising data representative of alternativeuse patterns of the utility by the customer in order to providealternative perspectives of utility usage and utility costs.
 8. Thecomputer implemented sales system of claim 1 wherein the receiver,memory arrangement and processor are further configured to receive,store and process data representative of utility rates comprisingutility product rates and utility service rates.
 9. The computerimplemented sales system of claim 1 wherein the receiver, memoryarrangement and processor are further configured to receive, store andprocess data from an on-line connection.
 10. The computer implementedsales system of claim 1 wherein the receiver, memory arrangement andprocessor are further configured to receive, store and process data froma data storage device.
 11. The computer implemented sales system ofclaim 1 wherein the receiver, memory arrangement and processor arefurther configured to receive, store and process data concerningproducts or services offered by the utility company in order to generatea customized proposal for a customer comprising the customized reportand a product and service report describing products or services offeredby the utility company.
 12. The computer implemented sales system ofclaim 1 including an output device provided to output the customizedreports.
 13. The computer implemented sales system of claim 12 whereinthe output device is configured to output the customized reports inprinted format or electronic format.
 14. The computer implemented salessystem of claim 1 wherein the receiver and memory arrangement arefurther configured to receive and store data representative of customerequipment inventory, and the processor is further configured to processthe data representative of customer equipment inventory in order to:select efficient customer equipment inventory comprised of at least oneof replacement equipment and existing equipment, and generate customizedreports representing final revised customer utility costs based onapplying to the data representative of customer utility usage, the datarepresentative of the selected utility rate, the selected efficientcustomer equipment inventory and the selected utility costs savingprogram.
 15. The computer implemented sales system of claim 14 whereinthe receiver and memory arrangement are further configured to receiveand store data representative of customer equipment inventory which usesthe utility.
 16. The computer implemented sales system of claim 14wherein the receiver and memory arrangement are further configured toreceive and store data representative of customer equipment inventorywhich does not use the utility.
 17. The computer implemented salessystem of claim 14 wherein the processor is further configured togenerate customized reports comprising information describing financingcosts for implementing the selected efficient customer equipment intothe customer equipment inventory.
 18. The computer implemented salessystem of claim 14 wherein the processor is further configured togenerate customized reports reflecting costs saving to the consumerresulting from implementing the selected customer equipment inventoryinto the customer equipment inventory.
 19. The computer implementedsales system of claim 18 wherein the processor is further configured togenerate customized reports reflecting utility costs savings, costs ofthe selected customer equipment inventory implemented and time periodfor cost of selected equipment payback to the customer.
 20. A computerimplemented sales system for assisting with the sale of utility productsand services by generating customized reports related to how thecustomer can optimize its costs for utility products and services,comprising: a receiver configured to receive data representative ofcustomer utility usage, existing customer equipment inventory, utilityrates, replacement equipment inventory and utility costs savingprograms; a memory arrangement coupled to the receiver and configured tostore the data representing the customer utility usage, the existingcustomer equipment inventory, the utility rates, the replacementequipment inventory and the utility costs saving programs; and aprocessor coupled to the memory arrangement and configured to: processthe information representing the customer utility usage, the existingcustomer equipment inventory, the utility rates, the replacementequipment inventory and the utility costs saving programs in order toselect a utility service rate, a utility costs saving program, anefficient customer equipment inventory compromised of at least one ofreplacement equipment and existing equipment, and generate customizedreports illustrating revised customer utility costs based on applyingthe customer utility usage to the data representative of the selectedutility service rate, the selected utility costs saving program and theselected efficient customer equipment inventory.
 21. A computerimplemented system for generating a customized proposal for sellingutility products and services to particular customers, the systemcomprising: a receiver configured to receive data representative ofcustomer utility usage, utility rates, utility products and services,and utility costs saving programs; a memory arrangement coupled to thereceiver and configured to store the data representing the customerutility usage, the utility rates, the utility products and services andthe utility costs saving programs; and a processor coupled to the memoryarrangement and configured to: process the information representing thecustomer utility usage, the utility rates, the utility products andservices and the utility costs saving programs, in order to select atleast one utility service rate, at least one utility product andservice, and at least one utility costs saving program for use ingenerating the customized proposals for the customer, and generate thecustomized proposals including at least an application of the customerutility usage to the data representative of the at least one selectedutility rate, the at least one utility product and service and the atleast one selected utility costs saving program.
 22. The computerimplemented sales system of claim 21 including an output device providedto output the customized proposals.
 23. The computer implemented salessystem of claim 22 wherein the output device is configured to output thecustomized proposals on-line or in printed format or electronic format.24. A computer system implemented method for facilitating sales ofutility products and services by generating customized reports relatedto how the customer can optimize its costs for utility products andservices, the computer system including a memory arrangement and atleast one processing unit coupled to the memory arrangement, the methodcomprising the steps of: receiving and storing in the memory arrangementdata representing customer utility usage, utility rates, and utilitycosts saving programs; selecting a utility rate and a utility costssaving program for the customer in response to processing the datarepresenting the customer utility usage, the utility rates and theutility costs saving program; and generating customized reportsillustrating revised customer costs based on applying the customerutility usage to the data representative of the selected utility rateand the selected utility costs saving program.
 25. The method as recitedin claim 24 further comprising the step of outputting on-line thecustomized reports generated.
 26. The method as recited in claim 24,wherein the step of receiving and storing further comprises the step ofreceiving and storing cost savings programs comprising conservationprograms.
 27. The method as recited in claim 24 wherein the step ofgenerating customized reports further comprises the step of generatingcustomized reports which include graphs illustrating the affect theselected utility rate and the selected utility costs saving program hason the cost of utility products and services to the customer.
 28. Themethod as recited in claim 24 wherein the step of receiving and storingfurther comprises the step of receiving and storing data representativeof past customer utility usage in order to provide a historicalperspective view of the customer's utility usage and utility costs. 29.The method as recited in claim 24, wherein the step of receiving andstoring further comprises the step of receiving and storing datarepresentative of future customer utility usage in order to provide aprospective view of the customer's utility usage and utility costs. 30.The method as recited in claim 24, wherein the step of receiving andstoring further comprises the step of receiving and storing datarepresentative of alternative customer utility usage patterns in orderto provide alternative prospective views of the customer's utility usageand utility costs.
 31. The method as recited in claim 24, wherein thestep of receiving and storing further comprises the step of receivingand storing data representative of utility rates comprising productrates and utility service rates.
 32. The method as recited in claim 24further comprising the step of: receiving, storing and processing datafrom an on-line connection.
 33. The computer system implemented methodas recited in claim 24, wherein the computer system further includes adata storage device, the method further comprising the step ofreceiving, storing and processing data retrieved from the data storagedevice.
 34. The method as recited in claim 24, wherein the step ofreceiving and storing further comprises the step of receiving andstoring data concerning products and services offered by the utilitycompany in order to generate a customized proposal for a customercomprising the customized report and a product and service reportdescribing products or services offered by the utility company.
 35. Thecomputer system implemented method as recited in claim 24, wherein thecomputer system further includes an output device provided to performthe step of outputting the customized reports.
 36. The method as recitedin claim 35 wherein the step of outputting the customized reportsfurther comprises the step of outputting the customized reports inprinted format or electronic format.
 37. The computer system implementedmethod as recited in claim 24 further comprising the steps of: receivingand storing data representative of existing customer equipment inventoryand replacement equipment; selecting an efficient customer equipmentinventory compiled of at least part of the existing customer equipmentand at least one of the replacement equipment; and generating customizedreports representing final revised customer utility costs based onapplying the data representing customer utility usage, to the datarepresentative of the selected utility rate, the selected efficientcustomer equipment and the selected utility costs saving program. 38.The method as recited in claim 37, wherein the step of receiving andstoring further comprising the step of receiving and storing datarepresentative of customer equipment inventory which uses the utility.39. The method as recited in claim 37, wherein the step of receiving andstoring further comprising the step of receiving and storing datarepresentative of customer equipment inventory which does not use theutility.
 40. The method as recited in claim 37 further comprising thesteps of: receiving and storing data concerning financing costs for theexisting customer equipment inventory; and generating a customizedreport describing financing costs for implementing the selectedefficient customer equipment inventory.
 41. The method as recited inclaim 37 further comprising the steps of: receiving and storing dataconcerning financing costs for customer equipment inventory; andgenerating a customized report reflecting costs saving to the consumerresulting from implementation of the selected efficient customerequipment inventory.
 42. The method as recited in claim 37 wherein thestep of generating customized reports further comprises the step ofgenerating customized reports reflecting utility costs saving, cost ofselected efficient customer equipment inventory and time period for costof selected efficient equipment payback to the customer.
 43. A computersystem implemented method for facilitating sales of utility products andservices by generating customized reports related to how the customercan optimize its costs for utility products and services, the computersystem including a memory arrangement and at least one processing unitcoupled to the memory arrangement, the method comprising the steps of:receiving and storing in the memory arrangement data representative ofcustomer utility usage, existing customer equipment inventory, utilityrates, replacement equipment inventory and utility costs savingprograms; selecting a utility rate, an efficient customer equipmentinventory comprised of at least one of the replacement equipment andexisting equipment, and a utility costs saving program in response toprocessing the data representing the customer utility usage, theexisting customer equipment inventory, the utility rates, thereplacement equipment inventory and the utility costs saving programs;and generating customized reports illustrating customer costs based onapplying the data representing the customer utility usage to the datarepresentative of the selected utility rate, the selected utility costssaving program and the efficient customer equipment inventory.
 44. Acomputer system implemented method for generating customized proposalsfor selling utility products and services to particular customers, themethod comprising the steps of: receiving and storing in the memoryarrangement data representing customer utility usage, utility rates, andutility costs saving programs; selecting, for use in generating thecustomized proposals, at least one utility rate and at least one utilitycosts saving program for the customer in response to processing the datarepresenting the customer utility usage, the utility rates and theutility costs saving program; and generating customized proposalsincluding at least an application of the customer utility usage to thedata representative of the at least one selected utility rate, at leastone utility product and service and the at least one selected utilitycosts saving program.
 45. The computer system implemented method asrecited in claim 44, wherein the computer system further includes anoutput device, the method further comprising the step of outputting thecustomized proposals through the output device.
 46. The method asrecited in claim 45 wherein the step of outputting the customizedproposals further comprises the step of outputting the customizedproposals in printed or electronic format.
 47. A computer readablemedium tangibly embodying instructions which, when executed by thecomputer, implement a process comprising the steps of: receiving intothe computer and storing information representing customer utilityusage, utility service rates, and utility costs saving programs;selecting a utility rate and a utility costs saving program for thecustomer in response to processing of the information representing thecustomer utility usage, the utility service rates and the utility costssaving program; and generating customized reports illustrating revisedcustomer utility costs based on applying the customer utility usage tothe data representative of the selected utility rate and the selectedutility costs saving program.
 48. A computer readable medium as recitedin claim 47, further comprising the steps of: receiving into thecomputer and storing data representative of existing customer equipmentinventory; selecting efficient customer equipment in response toprocessing of the existing customer equipment inventory; and generatingcustomized reports representing efficient revised customer utility costsbased on applying to the information representative of customer utilityusage, the information representative of the selected utility rate, theinformation representative of the selected efficient customer equipmentand the information representative of the selected utility costs savingprogram.
 49. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 47, furthercomprising the steps of: receiving into the computer and storinginformation concerning products and services offered by the utilitycompany; and generating a customized proposal for a customer comprisingthe customized report illustrating revised customer utility costs and aproduct and service report describing products or services offered bythe utility company.
 50. A computer readable medium as recited in claim47, further comprising the steps of: receiving into the computer andstoring information concerning financing costs for the existing customerequipment inventory; and generating a customized report describingfinancing costs for implementing the selected efficient customerequipment into the customer equipment inventory.